Fixed floating fountain installation method

ABSTRACT

A method positions and installs a support for a fountain assembly permanently at a specific location and elevation relative to a water body at an amusement park, hotel, or resort. The method utilizes a crane equipped vessel to deploy a support over the desired location. The vessel has its location determined from position fixing instruments and then an installer positions the vessel precisely. The method then has an installer lift the support plumb and above the water body. The method next rotates the support to embed it into the bed of a water body. Rotation stops when the head of the support becomes coplanar with the surface of the water body. The support then receives framework for fountains while remaining concealed beneath the water.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This continuation in part application claims priority to the non-provisional application for patent Ser. No. 12/347,725 filed Dec. 31, 2008 which is commonly owned by the same inventors.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The fixed floating fountain generally relates to ornamental water fountains and more specifically to a fountain that floats vertically and remains located in a fixed horizontal position in a shallow water body without a current, such as a pond or lake.

People have a fascination and attraction to water of many kinds. For centuries, people have built, or used, ponds, or lakes, often as decoration or some times as displays of wealth and authority. The lakes have been in rural residences, estates, and farms, and in urban settings often within parks. Whether commissioned privately or publicly, fountains often have strategic locations in a lake to be seen by admirers and the public. Fountains attract attention. In olden days, fountains had supply plumbing built into a lakebed and extended to an island that supported the nozzle of the fountain. The fountains at the Palace of Versailles have similar construction. In more modern times, fountains have a nozzle mounted on a raft that floats on the lake surface but has a tether to the lakebed or the lake shore. The modern fountains move around on a lake surface generally under action of the wind but restrained by the length of a tether and the surface water level. The floating fountains generally pump their water from the lake in the vicinity of the raft.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

The modern floating fountains move farther laterally from their tethers as the lake surface elevation decreases. Lake surfaces drop during periods of drought or other events that reduce the inflow of water to a lake while evaporation continues. At lower lake levels, floating fountains may move closer to the lakeshore and overspray from fountains may enter adjacent structures.

Piers have also been used for decades in water bodies to support structures. A plurality of piers is generally emplaced into a lakebed using powered drivers for hammering into the lakebed or for turning auger flights into the lakebed. Once installed, a structure is built upon the piers and the structure remains at a constant elevation regardless of the water level below the structure. Cofferdams have also been constructed for decades where interlocking piles form a chamber that then has water pumped out. The cofferdam piles seal to each other using an interlocking seam and keep water out while allowing dry work within the dam. However, structures are generally not constructed upon cofferdams.

The present invention overcomes the difficulties of the prior art. The present invention includes a system and method of placing fountain heads, pumps, lighting fixtures, spray rings, controls, motors and animation equipment, fasteners and associated equipment, either directly or through the use of subassemblies, onto piers secured into the bottom of a water body, such as a lake, by rotational torque applied to helical threads upon a pier. The present invention allows fountain equipment to rise and fall with lake surface elevation but not move laterally from its tether, generally a pier.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Generally, the present invention provides a device that locates a fountain assembly permanently at a specific location while allowing the fountain assembly to float in a confined area, or alternatively to fix the fountain assembly at a selected height. The invention also provides a method of installing a fountain assembly within a shallow water body. In the method, an installer uses an alignment guide and a mechanical rotational means to embed a metallic pier with a helical tipped point in the bottom of the water body at a precise location. Then the installer places the fountain subassembly onto the installed pier.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood and that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. The present invention also includes floats, platforms, mechanical equipment, electrical service lines, lighting, and related fountain equipment.

Additional features of the invention will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims attached.

Numerous objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon a reading of the following detailed description of the presently preferred, but nonetheless illustrative, embodiment of the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Before explaining the current embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

One object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved fixed floating fountain.

Another object is to provide such a fixed floating fountain that floats with a water surface as the water surface fluctuates in elevation.

Another object is to provide such a fixed floating fountain that remains closely above its support, often a pier, as a water surface changes elevation.

Another object is to provide such a fixed floating fountain that has a low cost of manufacturing so the purchasing organizations can readily buy the fixed floating fountain through supply sources.

These together with other objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty that characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there is illustrated a preferred embodiment of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

is In referring to the drawings,

FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of a prior art pier embedded into the bed of a water body;

FIG. 1 a shows a shallow water body and vessel for implementation of the method of the present invention;

FIG. 1 b describes a side view of a vessel approaching a location for implementation of the method of the present invention;

FIG. 1 c illustrates a side view of a vessel with a support ready for installation with the method of the present invention;

FIG. 1 d provides a side view of a vessel with a support installed in the bed of the water body by the method of the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows a front view of the top of a pier including the present invention and related fountain equipment;

FIG. 3 shows a side view of fountain equipment installed upon a pier including the present invention; and,

FIG. 4 describes a side view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention upon a pier.

The same reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout the various figures.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present invention overcomes the prior art limitations and provides a fixed floating fountain that follows the level of water in a lake, pond, or other water body while remaining in the same position relative to the shore of the water body. Ornamental water fountains are often placed in lakes or other shallow bodies of water and anchored in place but allowed to float upon the water in a somewhat confined area. The present invention generally is for usage is in still water bodies such as lakes and ponds with lesser application in moving waters such as rivers.

The invention begins with FIG. 1 where a prior art pier C locates within a lake. The pier extends above the lake surface A ready to accept a structure and embeds into the lake bottom B or lakebed, using percussion or a helical shaped plate as at D. The prior art pier can be of wood, metal, or plastic of sufficient rigidity and stiffness to withstand the means of installation, hammering or rotation. The helical plate D allows the pier to function as a large screw where machinery imparts a rotational torque to the top of the pier that turns the entire pier and the helical plate. The rotation of the pier and angle of the plate advance the tip of the pier into the lake bottom for a sufficient distance so friction with adjacent soils holds the pier upright and prevents ripping of the pier from the lakebed. The embedment distance is generally calculated once lake bottom soil conditions and moisture content are known.

FIG. 1 a shows the preparations for the method of the present invention to install a fountain assembly within a shallow water body L, such as a lake at an amusement park or hotel. Though installer appears in this description, installer refers to a crew of people if required. An installer coordinates with the water body owner so that the water body owner, often through an agent, sets a desired elevation of the water body as at A. The elevation of the water body generally remains constant, often for water skiing performers or swimmers. The water body owner does provide make up water for evaporative and other minor water losses. The installer then loads a support C upon a crane equipped barge V. The support has a narrow elongated shape with a sidewall having a lengthwise bore, a tip C3 and an opposite head C2. The head remains lighter in density than the tip so that upon immersion of the support in water, the tip sinks downwardly. The tip includes helical flights D upon its exterior for embedding the is tips of the support into the bed of the water body using rotation. With the support loaded, the installer then drives the barge V to the general target location for the support, as at T. The installer determines, or ascertains, the target location T according to the plans of the water body owner. The installer then finely positions the barge using surveying instruments to obtain a position fix from a known shore location, as at E, or using a Global Positioning System, GPS, based positioning system.

The installation method of the present invention utilizes the barge V equipped with a crane F shown in FIG. 1 b. Such barges exist in fleets of working boats now afloat. The crane F includes an engine shown in phantom that powers a cable and controls for a boom, F′. The boom rotates about an axle proximate the engine and attains various angles relative to the water surface A. Generally, the boom attains a high enough angle to deploy the support lengthwise above the water surface. Opposite the engine, the cable runs from the crane downwardly to a motor H, preferably hydraulic. The motor can connect to, or grip, the head C2 of a support and impart rotation or percussion to the head as needed. The motor has sufficient horsepower to embed the tip into the lakebed without fouling the cable of the crane. Alternatively, the motor has a socket in its casing that allows for a pole to stabilize the motor against self rotation during usage. Self rotation involves the motor lacking sufficient horsepower to turn a connected support rather, the support remains fixed and the motor rotates upon the support until the motor fouls its lines communicating power and control to the vessel. The vessel also includes a position fixing means G′, such as surveying instruments or GPS instruments. The fixing means determines the position of the vessel upon the surface A of the water body L. The vessel may have various side panels along its length. Along a side of the vessel, the vessel has at least one support C lashed upon the deck. In the position as shown, the vessel transports the support towards the desired location, T. More precisely, the desired location T has its location upon the bed B of the water body.

Having arrived proximate the desired location T for the support, the installer then connects the head C2 to the motor H as shown in FIG. 1 c. The motor suspends upon a cable beneath the tip of the boom F′ of the crane F. The crane secures to the deck of a vessel V. The installer then lifts the motor H thus elevating the head C2 using length of cable and angle of the boom F′ until the support C attains a plumb orientation, that is, perpendicular to the water body surface A over location T. Knowing the approximate position of the crane relative to the barge, the installer adjusts the position of the barge using the position fixing instruments G′ relative to the known point E so that the support C locates over the select location T upon the bed B. An installer may adjust the barge position using its propulsion system, its anchoring gear, or alternatively using poles in shallow water bodies.

The installer then lowers the motor H by paying out the cable of the crane and thus the support C descends into the water, tip first as at C3. The installer then checks the position of the support and the barge relative to the desired location T of the support using the position fixing instruments G. The installer adjusts the crane F or the barge V as needed to maintain the location of the support relative to the shore, as at E, generally within one inch laterally, and preferably using GPS instruments. The installer then lowers the support to the bed B of the water body L, generally so that the tip C3 begins embedment through the silt. The installer then activates rotation of the support using the motor H, preferably hydraulic, alternatively electric, upon the head C2 of the support. The motor then rotationally drives the support into the lake bed B for a distance sufficient to establish the sought bearing strength, that is, into the subsurface. During operation of the motor, the installer adjusts the rate of is rotation as the support encounters subsurface resistance or friction. The installer utilizes a pressure gauge connected to the hydraulic system powering the motor where pressure readings generally increase as the flights encounter the subsurface materials. More experienced installers may adjust the motor and rate of rotation for the support based upon the sound of the motor.

In an alternate embodiment, the vessel includes a slot in its deck through which the installer passes the support C tip C3. The installer then connects the head C2 to the motor H or alternatively an engine place upon or above the deck. The installer then turns on the motor and rotationally drives the support so that the tip embeds into the lakebed or bed of the water body. The installer may also hold the engine using handles extending from it to prevent self rotation of the engine during embedment of the support.

In a further alternate embodiment, the installer deploys the support C over the side of the vessel tip C3 first. The installer then attaches a motor H or an engine to the head C2 first. After starting the motor or engine, the installer then rotates the support C while holding the motor over the side of the vessel so that the motor does not self rotate as it embeds the tip into the bed of the water body.

The installer allows rotation of the support until the head C2 becomes co-planar with the set water level A as in FIG. 1 d. Preferably, the head reaches within one eighth inch of the water level A. Once the head reaches that elevation A, the installer disconnects the motor H from the support. The installer lifts the motor towards the boom. The installer then connects framework (not shown) for a fountain to the head C2 the support knowing that the support remains at the set water level A. This method installs a support into the bed of a water body at a desired location to an elevation established by the depth of the water in the water body so that the head of the support remains flush with the water level A. This method provides a support at water level so that the support remains concealed to viewers of the water body who would rather see the fountains attached to the support.

FIG. 2 then shows a fountain assembly that installs upon the pier C using the present invention. The fountain assembly has at least one pump M in fluid communication to at least one nozzle K that is mounted to a frame G. The frame G is generally flat and rigid with a round shape and a central aperture for fitting over the pier. The frame also supports at least one fountain light assembly F and its related electrical controls and supplies as at J. The electrical controls include sensors, logic boards, and timers as is known in the art. The preferred electrical supply is utility service delivered through underwater cabling. Alternatively, the electricity for the fountain can be provided by battery storage, solar cells, wind turbines, wave generators, and like alternate energy sources. The present invention begins upon the interior of the frame G where a sleeve 1 extends upwardly from the frame. The sleeve is generally a hollow cylinder with an inside diameter greater than the width of the pier. For a tight installation with limited lateral movement of the fountain assembly, the sleeve inside diameter is generally that of the outside width of the pier. For an installation that allows some lateral movement of the fountain assembly, the sleeve has a diameter noticeably greater than the width of the pier. The sleeve has two opposite and open ends 1 a, 1 b and a rigid sidewall. In an alternate embodiment, the sleeve includes an aperture 2 that aligns with an aperture placed into the top of the pier. Outwardly from the sleeve, the frame has a float L attached. The float displaces sufficient freshwater to compensate for the weight of the fountain assembly. Generally the float geometry and location upon the frame allow just the nozzle to barely breach the lake surface A. In an alternate embodiment, the float has a proportional geometry to accommodate the density of salt water.

Stepping back from FIG. 2, FIG. 3 shows the fountain assembly installed is upon a full height pier C. The pier is embedded into the lake bottom B using the helical flight D. The fountain assembly has various components locating upon a frame G. The frame also has a centrally located sleeve 1 that is generally perpendicular to the plane of the frame. The sleeve has a lower end, as at 1 b, positioned below the frame and an opposite or upper end, as at 1 a, locating above the frame and fountain components. Proximate the upper end, the sleeve has an aperture 2. The aperture admits a pin, not shown, that engages a cooperating opening on the pier. When the aperture aligns with the opening, an engaged pin holds the sleeve 1 and the attached fountain assembly at a fixed elevation upon the pier.

When the pin is removed, the fountain assembly may move vertically upon the pier as the frame moves up and down with the lake surface A. To locate the fountain nozzle at a suitable elevation from the lake surface, the frame has a float L that displaces a sufficient volume of water to accommodate the weight of the fountain assembly. Generally the float makes the fountain assembly attain neutral buoyancy and just the nozzle breaks the lake surface. As shown in FIG. 3, the remainder of the fountain assembly remains submerged and out of sight from lake users.

In locations where water level fluctuates very little or the appearance of the fountain assembly above the water can be accepted by lake users, FIG. 4 shows an alternate embodiment of the invention. As before, a hollow pier C embeds into the lake bottom B using a helical flight D though a hammer embedded pier is also foreseen. The pier has an opening C1, here that extends through the width of the pier. The opening C1 receives a pin N inserted therein. The pin also passes through a lower stem 3, generally elongated and cylindrical. The lower stem has two opposite ends, one end being a tip, and a plurality of holes 3 a in an array proximate the tip. The holes are located about the perimeter of the lower stem and extend partially along the length of the lower stem. The array of holes allows for adjusting the portion of the lower stem that extends outwardly and above the pier. The lower stem has a lesser width than the inside diameter of the pier. Opposite the tip, the lower stem has a lower plate 4 generally perpendicular to the length of the lower stem. The lower plate is also wider than the lower stem. The lower plate has a boss 11 generally centered thereon and extending away from the tip and the pier. The boss has a generally round shape.

Above the lower stem, the alternate embodiment has an upper stem 7, generally elongated and cylindrical. The upper stem has two opposite ends, one end, as at 8, joins to an upper plate 5 and the other end, as at 10, provides for the connection of the nozzle. The upper plate has a similar shape as the lower plate and is perpendicular to the length of the upper stem and the lower stem. The upper plate and the lower plate each have at least three bolts 6 extending through both plates. Each bolt passes through a threaded hole upon the lower plate. The upper plate rests upon the boss 11 and attains a level or other suitable orientation using the bolts. Adjusting the bolts and moving the upper plate towards or away from the lower plate alters the angle of the upper stem relative to the lower stem. In most installations, the upper stem is generally coaxial with the lower stem. However, where the lower stem embeds into the lake bottom B at an angle, the action of the bolts 6 allows the upper stem to be aimed perpendicular to the lake surface. Where the fountain assembly creates a tall fountain, an upper stem perpendicular to the lake surface becomes critical to minimize the fountain spray reaching the shore. In other situations, an angle for a fountain may be desirable and the bolts in combination with the upper plate and the lower plate permit angled installation of the upper stem 7.

Proximate the end 8 of the upper stem, the upper stem has a generally T is shape commonly called a tee. The tee extends outwardly, as at 9, and connects to a pump M. The tee and the upper stem above the end 8 are generally hollow to allow for transmission of water there through. The pump draws water from the water body and releases pressurized water into the upper stem through the tee. Electrical controls and other hardware as at J operate the fountain components. The tee carries water upwardly through the upper stem into the other end, as at 10. That end 10 has the appropriate fittings to connect a nozzle K. The upper stem delivers pumped water directly into the nozzle to create a fountain. The upper stem also provides a convenient mounting site for lighting F. The armatures of the lighting bolt upon the exterior of the upper stem and space the lights outwardly from the nozzle. The lighting can be aimed upwardly to illuminate the fountain as desired.

From the aforementioned description, a fixed floating fountain and method to install a fountain framework has been described. The fixed floating fountain is uniquely capable of restraining a fountain laterally upon a pier while allowing the fountain to move vertical upon the pier as water level changes in the water body surrounding the fountain. The fixed floating fountain is preferably made from galvanized steel and related water proof materials. The method to install a fountain framework is uniquely capable of positioning a support at a desired location then installing the support through water into the bed of a water body so that the support remains flush with the water surface. The fixed floating fountain and its various components may be manufactured from many materials, including but not limited to, polymers, polyvinyl chloride, high density polyethylene, polypropylene, nylon, steel, ferrous and non-ferrous metals, their alloys, canvas, rugged textiles, and composites.

As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the is designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. Therefore, the claims include such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and the scope of the present invention. 

1. A method for installing a support of a fountain through a water body into its bed, the water body having an established level and said support attaining a flush position to the level of the water body, said method comprising: providing a support including a tubular shaft having a side wall defining a lengthwise bore, said side wall having a tip with externally mounted helical flights and an opposite head; ascertaining a target location for said support relative to said bed; loading said support upon a vessel; driving a vessel upon the water body to said target location; providing a motor operatively connected to said head, said motor in communication with said vessel; lifting said motor and said head wherein said support attains a plumb orientation to the level of the water body over the target location; placing said support into the water body, said tip being first into the water body; adjusting cooperatively the position of the vessel for insertion of said tip at said target location; and, rotationally driving said support into the bed of the water body using said motor to embed said tip so that said head becomes flush to the level of the water body.
 2. The fountain support installing method of claim 1 further comprising: said adjusting cooperatively positioning said support within one inch laterally of the target location and said head within one eighth inch of the level of the water body.
 3. The fountain support installing method of claim 1 further comprising: said adjusting cooperatively positioning said support adapted to use the global positioning system.
 4. A method for installing a support of a fountain through a water body into its bed, the water body having a set level and said support attaining a flush position to the level of the water body, said method capable of adjusting the position of said support, said method comprising: providing a vessel upon the water body, said vessel including a motor in communication with said vessel; providing an elongated support including a tubular shaft having a side wall defining a lengthwise bore, said side wall having a tip with externally mounted helical flights and an opposite head and then loading said support upon said vessel; establishing a target location for said support relative to said bed; driving said vessel upon the water body to said target location; connecting said motor to said head; lifting said motor wherein said support attains a plumb orientation to the level of the water body over the target location; placing said support into the water body, said tip being first into the water body; adjusting cooperatively the position of the vessel and the elevation of its crane relative to said target location; and, rotating said support utilizing said motor wherein said tip penetrates the bed of the water body for a distance and wherein said head becomes flush to the level of the water body.
 5. The fountain support installing method of claim 4 further comprising: said adjusting cooperatively positioning said support utilizing global positioning satellite readings wherein said support attains a position within one inch laterally of the target location and said head attains an elevation within one eighth inch of the level of the water body.
 6. The fountain support installing method of claim 4 further comprising: said rotating said support adjusts revolutions per minute of said support in relation to friction encountered by said flight.
 7. A method for installing a support of a fountain through a water body into its bed, the water body having a determined level and said support attaining a flush position to the level of the water body, said method capable of adjusting the position of said support, said method comprising: is providing a vessel upon the water body, said vessel having a motor adapted to operate from said vessel; providing an elongated support including a tubular shaft having a side wall defining a lengthwise bore, said side wall having a tip with at least one externally mounted helical flight and an opposite head and loading said support upon said vessel; establishing a target location for said support relative to said bed; driving said vessel to said target location; connecting said motor to said head; lifting said motor wherein said support attains a plumb orientation to the level of the water body over the target location; placing said support into the water body, said tip being first into the water body; adjusting the position of said vessel and said motor, by utilizing a global positioning system wherein said tip attains a position within one inch laterally of the target location; and, rotating said support by said motor wherein said tip penetrates the bed of the water body for a distance until said head becomes flush to the level of the water body and adjusting said motor to adjust the rate of rotation of said support in relation to friction encountered by said tip utilizing a pressure gauge. 